Tire inflation system with integrated wheel seal

ABSTRACT

An axle assembly includes a non-rotating component and a wheel hub supported for rotation relative to the non-rotating component about an axis. The wheel hub includes a hub air passage that has a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire. An air chamber is formed at least in part between the non-rotating component and the wheel hub. The air chamber receives air flow from an air source and directs air flow into the hub inlet. A seal assembly engages the wheel hub to seal the air chamber.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/334,734, which was filed Dec. 15, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject invention relates to an axle that includes an air passage that forms part of a tire inflation system. More specifically, the air passage is formed at least in part between a rotating wheel hub and a non-rotating component, and is sealed by an integrated seal assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tire inflation systems are used on vehicles, such as tractor-trailer vehicles for example, to maintain tire inflation pressures at a desired tire pressure setting. The tire inflation system draws pressurized air from on-board air tanks and supplies this air to an under-inflated tire when tire pressure falls below the desired tire pressure setting.

Drive axles present challenges for routing air from the air tanks to the tires. Typically, air hoses must be routed externally of the axle components and around the outside of the tires. Such a routing configuration takes up a significant amount of packaging space that could otherwise be used for other vehicle components. Further, due to the external mounting, a significant portion of the air hoses is exposed to potentially damaging contact from rocks, debris, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An axle assembly includes an air passage for fluid communication with a tire inflation system. The axle assembly includes a non-rotating component and a wheel hub supported for rotation relative to the non-rotating component about an axis. The air passage is formed at least in part between the wheel hub and the non-rotating component, and is sealed with a seal assembly.

In one example, the wheel hub includes a hub air passage that has a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire. The non-rotating component comprises a spindle that rotatably supports the wheel hub. An air chamber is formed at least in part between the spindle and the wheel hub. The air chamber receives air flow from an air source and directs air flow into the hub inlet. A seal assembly engages the wheel hub to seal the air chamber.

In one example, the seal assembly includes first and second seals that are in sealing engagement with the wheel hub and the non-rotating component.

In another example, the seal assembly comprises a cartridge seal with seal portions that are in contact with the wheel hub and the non-rotating component. The seal portions engage each other, and the air chamber is formed between the seal portions.

In one example, the non-rotating component comprises a spindle that rotatably supports the wheel hub and the air chamber is defined in part by a manifold that is fixed to the spindle. The manifold includes a first passage to direct air from an air source to the air chamber. The seal assembly seals against an inner surface of the wheel hub and an outer surface of the manifold to form the air chamber. The manifold also includes a second passage to direct lubricating fluid to the seals.

In another example, the non-rotating component comprises an annular ring that surrounds an inboard end of the wheel hub. The air chamber is defined within the annular ring at the inboard end of the wheel hub. The seal assembly includes a first seal that engages the annular ring and an outer peripheral surface of the wheel hub and a second seal that engages the annular ring and an inner peripheral surface of the wheel hub to define the air chamber.

In one example, the axle assembly is a drive axle and includes an axle shaft that is driven by a power source. The axle shaft is coupled to drive the wheel hub about an axis of rotation relative to the spindle.

These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a drive axle assembly in fluid communication with a tire inflation system.

FIG. 2 is one example of an air passage formed between a spindle and a wheel hub.

FIG. 3 is another example of an air passage formed between a spindle and a wheel hub.

FIG. 4 is another example of an air passage formed between a spindle and a wheel hub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a drive axle 10 receiving driving input from a power source 12, such as an engine or electric motor for example. The driving input drives an input gear assembly 14 that includes a differential mechanism as known. The gear assembly 14 drives axle shafts 16 that are coupled to drive wheel end assemblies 18. One example of a wheel end assembly 18 is shown to the left of FIG. 1. It should be understood that the opposite wheel end assembly 18 would be similarly configured.

The wheel end assembly 18 includes a non-rotating spindle 20 that is mounted to an axle housing 22. The axle housing 22 houses the gear assembly 14 and axle shafts 16. A wheel hub 24 is rotatably supported on the spindle 20 by bearings 26. A tire 28 and associated rim are mounted for rotation with the wheel hub 24 about an axis A.

A tire inflation system 30 includes an air supply reservoir or tank 32 that is used to supply air to the tires 28 when the tires 28 become under-inflated. The tire inflation system 30 includes a control 34 that determines when air is to be supplied and also controls the amount of air supplied as known. The control 34 can be automatically activated via an electronic control unit or other similar device to control the amount of air supplied, or the control 34 can be manually actuated by a vehicle operator. The control 34 can include various valves, sensors, pressure regulators, etc. as known to control distribution of the air from the tank 32. The control 34 is also configured to stop supplying air to a tire if pressure falls below a certain level to prevent the tank 32 from being depleted of air, such as when a tire has experienced a blow-out for example.

The control 34 supplies air to the wheel end assembly 18 which includes passages that convey the air to the tire 28. FIG. 2 shows one example of a wheel end assembly 18 as used with the tire inflation system 30. The wheel hub 24 includes an outer peripheral surface 40 and an inner peripheral surface 42 that surround the axis of rotation A. The wheel hub 24 also includes an inboard end 44 and an outboard end 46 with a mounting flange portion 48 that can be used to mount other brake or wheel structures.

An air chamber 52 is formed at least in part between the wheel hub 24 and a non-rotating component, such as the spindle 20 for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the spindle 20 includes an outer peripheral surface 50 that is spaced radially inwardly of the inner peripheral surface 42 of the wheel hub 24. The air chamber 52 is defined within a space formed between the wheel hub 24 and the spindle 20.

A seal assembly 56 is integrated into the wheel end assembly 18 to seal the air chamber 52. The seal assembly 56 directly seals against the inner peripheral surface 42 of the wheel hub 24.

In the example in FIG. 2, a manifold 58 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 50 of the spindle 20. The manifold 58 includes an inner peripheral surface 60 that is seated against the spindle 20 and an outer peripheral surface 62 that is spaced radially inwardly relative to the inner peripheral surface 42 of the wheel hub 24 to define the air chamber 52. The manifold 58 and seal assembly 56 are positioned at the inboard end 44 of the wheel hub 24 such that the air chamber 52 is inboard of the wheel bearings 26.

The manifold 58 includes an inlet port 64 that is connected to the air tank 32 with a conduit or hose 66. The manifold includes a first passage 68 that that directs air from the inlet port 64 to the air chamber 52.

The seal assembly 56 includes at least a first seal 56 a and a second seal 56 b that is axially spaced from the first seal 56 a along the axis A. The first 56 a and second 56 b seals both directly engage the inner peripheral surface 42 of the wheel hub 24 and the outer peripheral surface 62 of the manifold 58.

The manifold 58 includes an outlet port 70 that empties into the air chamber 52 at a position between the first 56 a and second 56 b seals. The manifold 58 also includes a second passage 72 that directs lubricating fluid to the seal assembly 56. The second passage 72 extends from a lubrication cavity 74 formed between the inboard bearing 26 (FIG. 1) and the first seal 56 a to a lubrication cavity 76 that is positioned inboard of the second seal 56 b. A third seal 56 c sealingly engages the inner peripheral surface 42 of the wheel hub 24 and the outer peripheral surface 62 of the manifold to seal the lubrication cavity 76. This prevents lubricating fluid from exiting the wheel end assembly 18 at the inboard end 44 of the wheel hub 24.

Air enters the manifold 58 through the inlet port 64 and exits into the air chamber 52. Air then enters a hub passage 78 that is formed within the wheel hub 24. The hub passage 78 can be formed through the hub body, hub flange portion 48, through a wheel stud hole, etc. The hub passage 78 includes a hub inlet 80 and a hub outlet 82 that is fluidly connected to at least one of the tires 28.

FIG. 3 shows another example of a wheel end assembly 118 as used with the tire inflation system 30. A wheel hub 124 includes an outer peripheral surface 140 and an inner peripheral surface 142 that surround the axis of rotation A. The wheel hub 124 also includes an inboard end 144 and an outboard end 146 with a mounting flange portion 148.

The spindle 120 includes an outer peripheral surface 150 that is spaced radially inwardly of the inner peripheral surface 142 of the wheel hub 124. A seal assembly 156 is integrated into the wheel end assembly 118 to seal an air chamber 152. The seal assembly 156 directly seals against the inner peripheral surface 142 of the wheel hub 124.

In the example of FIG. 3, the non-rotating component comprises an annular ring 158 is positioned to surround the inboard end 144 of the wheel hub 124 at a position where an ABS tone ring would typically be mounted. The annular ring 158 is a stationary, i.e. non-rotating component, which can be fixed to the spindle 120 or to another non-rotating axle or brake component. The annular ring 158 has a C-shape cross-section with a vertical wall portion 158 a and first 158 b and second 158 c lateral flange portions that extend axially away from opposing ends of the vertical wall portion 158 a.

The first 158 b and second 158 c lateral flange portions extend in a direction that is generally parallel to the axis A. The first lateral flange portion 158 b defines an outer peripheral surface 160 of the annular ring 158 and the second lateral flange portion 158 c defines an inner peripheral surface 162 of the annular ring 158. The first 158 b and second 158 c flange portions are positioned in an overlapping relationship with the inboard end 144 of the wheel hub 124. The first lateral flange portion 158 b is positioned radially outwardly of the outer peripheral surface 140 of the wheel hub 124 and the second lateral flange portion 158 c is positioned radially inwardly of the inner peripheral surface 142 of the wheel hub 124. The air chamber 152 is formed within the annular ring 158 at the inboard end 144 of the wheel hub 124 at a position that is between the first 158 b and second 158 c lateral flange portions.

The vertical wall portion 158 a includes an inlet port 164 that is fluidly connected to the air tank 32 with a conduit or hose 166. The port 164 directs air into the air chamber 152.

The wheel hub 124 includes a hub passage 176 that is formed within a body of the hub between the inner 142 and outer 140 peripheral surfaces. The hub passage 176 includes a hub inlet 178 that is formed in an inboard end face 180 of the wheel hub 124. A portion of the hub passage 176 extends in a direction that is generally parallel to the axis A to a hub outlet 182 that is to be fluidly connected to at least one of the tires 28.

The seal assembly 156 includes a first seal 156 a and a second seal 156 b that is spaced radially inwardly from the first seal 156 a. The first seal 156 a is sealingly engaged between an inner surface of the first lateral flange portion 158 b and the outer peripheral surface 140 of the wheel hub 124. The second seal 156 b is sealingly engaged between an inner surface of the second lateral flange portion 158 c and the inner peripheral surface 142 of the wheel hub 124. The first 156 a and second 156 b seals allow the wheel hub 124 to rotate and maintain the air chamber 152. Air is directed through the annular ring 158, into the air chamber 152, into the hub passage 176, and then exits to the tire 28. The hub passage 176 can extend through the hub body, hub flange, wheel mount hole, etc., as described above.

FIG. 4 shows another example of a wheel end assembly 218 as used with the tire inflation system 30. A wheel hub 224 includes an outer peripheral surface 240 and an inner peripheral surface 242 that surround the axis of rotation A. The wheel hub 224 also includes an inboard end 244 and an outboard end 246 with a mounting flange portion 248.

The spindle 220 includes an outer peripheral surface 250 that is spaced radially inwardly of the inner peripheral surface 242 of the wheel hub 224. An air chamber 252 is defined, at least in part, within a space formed between the wheel hub 224 and the spindle 220.

A seal assembly 256 is integrated into the wheel end assembly 218 to seal the air chamber 252. The seal assembly 256 directly seals against the inner peripheral surface 142 of the wheel hub 124 and against the outer peripheral surface 250 of the spindle 220.

In the example of FIG. 4, the seal assembly 256 includes a first seal 256 a and a second seal 256 b; however, the seal assembly 256 could also comprise a cartridge seal formed as a single unit with first and second seal portions that respectively correspond to the first 256 a and second 256 b seals described below. The seal assembly 256 is positioned at the inboard end 244 of the wheel hub 224 at a position that is inboard of both wheel bearings 26.

The first seal 256 a is fixed for rotation with the wheel hub 224 and the second seal 256 b is fixed to the spindle 220. The first seal 256 a includes a first portion 260 that seats against the inner peripheral surface 242 of the wheel hub 224 and includes a distal end that abuts against an inboard end face 262 of the wheel hub 224 as shown in FIG. 4. An opening 266 is formed within the first portion 260 and is in fluid communication with a hub passage 268 formed within the wheel hub 224. The hub passage 268 includes a hub inlet 270 at the air chamber 252 and a hub outlet 272 that is fluidly connected to the tire 28.

The first seal 256 a includes a second portion 274 that extends transversely to the first portion 260 to contact the second seal 256 b. A spring or other resilient retaining mechanism 276 biases the second portion 274 against the second seal 256 b.

The second seal 256 b includes a first portion 280 that seats against the outer peripheral surface 250 of the spindle 220. The second seal 256 b includes a second portion 282 that that extends transversely to the first portion 280 to contact the first seal 256 a. A spring or other resilient retaining mechanism 284 biases the second portion 282 against the first seal 256 a.

The second portion 282 is seated against a flange 288 of the spindle 220 and includes an opening 290 that is in fluid communication with a port 292 formed in the flange 288. The port 292 is in fluid communication with the air supply via a conduit or hose connection 294.

Each of the wheel end assemblies set forth above provide a simple and effective fluid connection for directing air from a supply, through a drive axle, and to an associated tire. Further, these configurations reduce the number and length of hoses that are routed externally of the drive axle to provide a more robust system.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. 

1. An axle assembly comprising: a non-rotating component; a wheel hub supported by a pair of wheel bearings for rotation relative to said non-rotating component about an axis, said wheel hub including a hub air passage having a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire; an air chamber formed at an inboard end of said non-rotating component at a location inboard of said pair of wheel bearings, said air chamber to direct air flow into said hub inlet of said hub air passage; an air inlet to supply air in an axial direction into said air chamber, said air inlet to receive air flow from an air source; and a seal assembly engaging said wheel hub and said non-rotating component to seal said air chamber.
 2. The axle assembly according to claim 1 wherein said non-rotating component comprises an annular ring that extends inboard of an inboard end face of said wheel hub, and wherein said seal assembly includes at least first and second seals that are mounted within said annular ring and which are radially spaced apart from each other in a direction extending away from said axis.
 3. The axle assembly according to claim 2 wherein said annular ring comprises a C-shaped cross-section with a radially extending wall portion, a first lateral flange extending from an outward end of said radially extending wall portion in a direction generally parallel to said axis, and a second lateral flange extending from an inward end of said radially extending wall portion in a direction generally parallel to said axis, and wherein said annular ring includes said air inlet which comprises an air port formed within said radially extending wall portion to receive air from the air source, and wherein said first seal engages an outer surface of said wheel hub and an inner surface of said first lateral flange and said second seal engages said inner peripheral surface of said wheel hub and an inner surface of said second lateral flange to define said air chamber.
 4. The axle assembly according to claim 3 wherein said hub inlet is formed in said inboard end face of said wheel hub and initially extends in a direction that is generally parallel to said axis.
 5. The axle assembly according to claim 1 wherein said non-rotating component comprises an annular ring that surrounds an inboard end of said wheel hub.
 6. The axle assembly according to claim 5 wherein said hub inlet is formed in an inboard end face of said wheel hub.
 7. The axle assembly according to claim 1 wherein said non-rotating component comprises a non-rotating spindle, and wherein said seal assembly includes at least a first seal portion that is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of said wheel hub and a second seal portion that is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of said non-rotating spindle, and wherein said air chamber is formed between said first and said second seal portions.
 8. The axle assembly according to claim 7 wherein said first seal portion includes a first port that is fluidly connected to said hub inlet and said second seal portion includes a second port that is fluidly connected to receive air from the air source.
 9. The axle assembly according to claim 8 wherein said first seal portion has a first segment that is biased against, and in direct contact with, said second seal portion and wherein said second seal portion has a second segment that is biased against, and in direct contact with, said first seal portion.
 10. The axle assembly according to claim 1 wherein said seal assembly comprises separate first and second seals wherein one of said first and said second seals directly engages said inner peripheral surface of said wheel hub.
 11. An axle assembly comprising: a non-rotating component including an air inlet port to receive air flow from an air supply source; a wheel hub supported for rotation relative to said non-rotating component about an axis, said wheel hub including a hub air passage having a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire, and wherein said non-rotating component surrounds an inboard end of said wheel hub; an air chamber formed adjacent an inboard end of said non-rotating component, said air chamber to direct air flow received at said air inlet port into said hub inlet of said hub air passage; and a seal assembly engaging said wheel hub and said non-rotating component to seal said air chamber.
 12. The axle assembly according to claim 11 wherein said non-rotating component comprises an annular ring extending inboard of said inboard end of said wheel hub, said air chamber being formed between an inner surface of said annular ring and said inboard end of said wheel hub.
 13. The axle assembly according to claim 12 wherein said annular ring comprises a C-shape cross-section with a radially extending wall portion, a first lateral flange extending from one end of said radially extending wall portion in a direction generally parallel to said axis, and a second lateral flange extending from an opposite end of said radially extending wall portion in a direction generally parallel to said axis, and wherein said first and said lateral flanges are positioned in an overlapping relationship with said inboard end of said wheel hub.
 14. The axle assembly according to claim 13 wherein said seal assembly comprises a first seal positioned directly between an inner surface of said first lateral flange and an outer surface of said wheel hub and a second seal positioned directly between an inner surface of said second lateral flange and an inner surface of said wheel hub.
 15. The axle assembly according to claim 11 wherein said hub inlet is formed in an inboard end face of said wheel hub.
 16. An axle assembly comprising: a non-rotating component including an air inlet port to receive air flow from an air supply source; a wheel hub supported by a pair of wheel bearings for rotation relative to said non-rotating component about an axis, said wheel hub including a hub air passage having a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire; an air chamber formed adjacent an inboard end of said non-rotating component at a location inboard of said pair of wheel bearings, said air chamber to direct air flow into said hub inlet of said hub air passage; and a seal assembly engaging said wheel hub and said non-rotating component to seal said air chamber, said seal assembly including a first seal portion that is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of said wheel hub and a second seal portion that is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of said non-rotating component, and wherein said air chamber is formed between said first and said second seal portions.
 17. The axle assembly according to claim 16 wherein said first seal includes a first port that is in fluid communication with said hub inlet and wherein said second seal includes a second port that is in fluid communication with said air inlet port.
 18. The axle assembly according to claim 17 wherein said first seal portion has a first segment that is biased against, and in direct contact with, said second seal portion and wherein said second seal portion has a second segment that is biased against, and in direct contact with, said first seal portion.
 19. The axle assembly according to claim 18 wherein said first seal portion includes a distal end that abuts against an inboard end face of said wheel hub, and wherein said second seal portion includes a distal end that abuts against a radially extending surface of said non-rotating component.
 20. The axle assembly according to claim 16 wherein said non-rotating component comprises a spindle and wherein said air inlet port is formed within a radially extending spindle flange, said second seal abutting against an outboard facing side of said spindle flange. 